Have you ever wondered what the Bible says about pleasing God? We know God in heaven, beyond the stars, the Creator of heaven and earth, with the whole world in his hands. God is beyond time, and his spirit permeates through every cell, molecule and atom in all of creation. Our God is truly an infinite and all powerful God.
God is everywhere in his immensity, and everywhere close at hand. + St. Columban
I want to share the bible verses I put together back during the turbulent days of me transitioning from being a “None” to being a Christian disciple striving to please God. And let me humbly say this transition of Christian discipleship is still in process.
Christian formation is a life-long journey of spiritual growth.
Christ himself, the bread from heaven, is man’s nourishment enabling him to grow in virtue, and it is Christ who quenches his thirst and gladdens him with his teaching. + St. Procopius
1. Ephesians 1:5
He destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will.
The translation I had first read years ago may be more helpful to understand this first verse, Ephesians 1:5:
Because of his love, God has already decided to make us his own children through Jesus Christ. That was what he wanted and what pleased him.”
Per Bible commentary, the incentive for each of us here is to invest in a lifetime of works of righteousness to confirm that we are God’s adopted children. We do this rather than abuse our free will for worldly pursuits or neglect God’s invitation.
2. Ephesians 5:10
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
The title of the passage that includes this verse, Ephesians 5:10, is “Renounce Pagan Ways.” God calls for us to walk in the light of his Son. To walk in the light is also to refrain from the works of darkness such as immorality, impurity and idolatry (loving or desiring the world more than we love God).
3. Philippians 2:13
For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.
Here is the translation I had read years ago from this verse, Philippians 2:13:
because God is working in you to help you want to do and be able to do what pleases him.
What pleases God? If you look at the preceding verse, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (maybe think of thunder and lightning here as a microcosm of God’s almighty power?). With the assistance of the Holy Spirit, we must:
- Follow the commandments
- Persevere in good works
- Strive for holiness
- Pray in earnest
- Fight against the forces of evil
- Resist the selfish demands of the flesh
4. Philippians 4:18
I have received full payment and I abound. I am very well supplied because of what I received from you through Epaphroditus, “a fragrant aroma,” an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.
We please God when we make sacrifices from our resources (time, talent and treasure) for the benefit of the Church, the bride of Christ. This is what St. Paul is saying in this verse, Philippians 4:18. Paul appreciates the Philippians’ generosity and assistance, and it is no different with Jesus when we are generous for the Church.
5. Colossians 1:10
To live in a manner worthy of the Lord, so as to be fully pleasing, in every good work bearing fruit and growing in the knowledge of God,
Per commentary with this verse, Colossians 1:10, St. Paul wants us to honor the Father with our lives and allow the Holy Spirit to work unhindered within us. Source: Ignatius Catholic Study Bible – New Testament. When we put God first in our lives we put the world behind us, which has an endpoint. There is no endpoint with God.
6. Colossians 1:19
For in Him all the fullness was pleased to dwell
Jesus is #1 with God. God is more pleased with Jesus, his Son, than anything else. That is what we learn in this verse, Colossians 1:19. The Holy Spirit is the union of love between the Father and the Son. As baptized, adopted children, we are blessed to be called to be part of this holy union.
7. Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
This verses, Colossians 3:20, gives us instruction to honor our parents which is also mentioned in the Ten Commandments, in the wisdom books of the Bible (e.g. Sirach Chapter 3) and Jesus himself instructs us to honor our parents in the Gospels.
8. 1st Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we earnestly ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, as you received from us how you should conduct yourselves to please God—and as you are conducting yourselves—you do so even more.
This verse, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, is the last verse I had jotted down, but it is the first verse of a scripture reflection I had titled, “A Life Pleasing to God.”
For the sake of brevity, here are some closing points on what this scripture passage from 1st Thessalonians says to do to please God.
- God wills for us to grow in holiness (overcome selfishness and sinful habits).
- Abstain from immoral behavior (especially sexual immorality).
- Make a continued effort to learn who God is (a lifetime of Bible study).
- Love one another, especially people who walk in the same Christian faith.
- Live a quiet and humble life.
- Be dependable to others.
- Be hard-working and labor for the Lord in all you do.
9. Romans 12:1
I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.
This verse, Romans 1:21, encourages us to offer up our day and our whole life to God. This includes the ordinary things we do: prayer and work, cooking and cleaning, family, community, worship and ministry, and everything God puts before us in life.
By prayerfully offering up your day to God with all its activities, joys and sufferings, you are offering something to God that is pleasing and acceptable to Him.
Prayer offered in holiness from a faithful heart rises like incense from a holy altar. + St. Augustine